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Sticky beginnings: When life began to gel

A team of international researchers proposes that sticky, surface-bound gels may have played a crucial role in the origins of life on Earth. These primitive gels could have provided the necessary structure and function for early chemical systems to become increasingly complex. The study's findings also extend to astrobiology, suggestin...

X-raying a satellite

Researchers at Empa successfully X-rayed the entire satellite EURECA, revealing cracks in composite struts and deformations in scientific instruments. The study highlights the potential of high-energy X-ray imaging for non-destructive analysis of satellites.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Research provides new design specs for burgeoning sodium-ion batteries

Researchers at Brown University have identified the optimal pore structure for hard carbon anodes in sodium-ion batteries, which can enhance stability and energy density. The findings provide concrete design specifications for making hard carbon anodes and pave the way for future commercial use of sodium-ion batteries.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

MIT researchers use CT scans to unravel mysteries of early metal production

Researchers at MIT used CT scans to study 5,000-year-old slag waste from an ancient site in Iran, revealing fine details about structures within the pieces. The technique complements traditional methods of studying ancient artifacts, shedding light on materials used and technological sophistication of early metallurgists.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Controlling triple quantum dots in a zinc oxide semiconductor

A team of researchers at Tohoku University has successfully created and electrically controlled triple quantum dots in zinc oxide (ZnO), a promising material for quantum computing. This breakthrough opens a new pathway to exploring complex quantum behaviors and developing potential architectures for quantum computation.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How plastics grip metals at the atomic scale

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how polyamides adhere to alumina surfaces, finding that adhesion strength depends on polymer chemistry and surface termination. The study offers practical design guidelines for selecting surface treatments and polymer types, enabling the creation of stronger, lighter joints.

Engineering defects could transform the future of nanomaterials

Materials scientists at the University of Minnesota have discovered a way to control tiny 'flaws' inside ultra-thin materials, giving them new properties. The study found that patterned regions can achieve up to 1,000 times higher density of extended defects than unpatterned areas.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Kono awarded American Physical Society’s Isakson Prize

Kono recognized for his contributions to optical physics, light-condensed matter interactions and photonic applications of nanosystems. His research explores how light interacts with materials at the nanoscale, potentially leading to new technologies in electronics and quantum communication.

Halide perovskite volatile unipolar Nanomemristor

Researchers have developed a halide perovskite volatile unipolar nanomemristor that achieves energy-efficient switching with minimal power consumption. The device uses a monocrystal nanocube with chemical composition CsPbBr3, placed between chemically inert contacts, to enable fast computation and readable memory states.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Soft gel breakthrough enables lab-grown slow-twitch muscles

Researchers developed a gel-like material that mimics the softness and microstructure of slow-twitch muscle tissue, successfully cultivating cells with genetic and metabolic traits of slow-twitch fibers. The technology has far-reaching implications for regenerative medicine, drug screening, and muscle transplantation therapies.

Cooling paint harvests water from thin air

Researchers developed a nanoengineered polymer coating that reflects sunlight and radiates heat, capturing atmospheric water vapour to create a sustainable source of fresh water. The technology can be integrated into paint-like materials for large-scale use, complementing existing systems and addressing global challenges.

Palaeontology: How ammolite gemstones get their vivid colours

Researchers used electron microscopy to investigate ammolite's structural properties, finding that the colors are caused by light reflecting off narrow gaps between aragonite plates. The findings could inform the development of non-fading colored paints.

Understanding water-soluble polymers in wastewater

Lehigh University researchers are collaborating with Dow on a three-year NSF-funded project to understand the chemistry behind full degradation of these polymers. The goal is to develop strategies for selective mixing of microbial communities to target different parts of the polymer for complete breakdown.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Sulfated yeast rises to the challenge facing rare earth metals

Researchers developed sulfated yeast to adsorb targeted elements from solutions, absorbing 2.3 times more copper than previous phosphate-modified baker's yeast. The new method effectively desorbs and re-adsorbs metals using hydrochloric acid, providing a sustainable solution for rare earth recovery.

Metamaterials can stifle vibrations with intentional complexity

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan and AFRL has developed a new method to create structures that passively impede vibrations, using complex geometry to elicit beneficial properties. The innovation builds on decades of theoretical research and utilizes advanced fabrication technologies like 3D printing.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Why some quantum materials stall while others scale

A new study by MIT researchers evaluates the scale-up potential of over 16,000 quantum materials, finding that those with high quantum fluctuation in electrons tend to be more expensive and environmentally damaging. The team identified promising candidates with an optimal balance between quantum functionality and sustainability for fur...

Physics-based machine learning could unlock better 3D-printed materials

A new project aims to develop a computationally efficient model that accurately predicts how additive manufacturing process parameters influence the solidification microstructure of binary alloy solidification. This will enable optimization of additively manufactured parts with confidence in critical industries.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Materials scientist Hautier named fellow of American Physical Society

Geoffroy Hautier, a materials scientist at Rice University, has been elected a fellow of the American Physical Society for his groundbreaking research in high-throughput computational materials design and discovery. His work bridges quantum mechanics, computation, and artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery of new materials...

Uncovering new physics in metals manufacturing

Researchers at MIT have found a hidden atomic order in metals that changes their properties, including mechanical strength and heat capacity. The discovery reveals a new physical phenomenon explaining the persistent patterns and provides a simple model to predict chemical patterns in metals.

Designing polymers for use in next-generation bioelectronics

A new AI-based system helps researchers design polymers with tailored electronic properties for next-generation bioelectronics. By processing a wide range of experiments, the system reveals the importance of local polymer order and dopant-polymer separation in controlling electronic properties.

New 3D printing method ‘grows’ ultra-strong materials

Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel 3D printing technique that creates ultra-strong metal and ceramic materials by infusing water-based gel with metal salts. The process results in exceptionally dense and strong constructions, suitable for next-generation energy, biomedical, and sensing technologies.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

AI can change how farmers water their fields from cloud to soil

An AI-driven irrigation management system developed by Texas A&M University students uses soil sensors, crop data, and weather forecasts to optimize watering. The system conserves water, reduces costs, and increases crop yields, addressing global issues of water scarcity and inequity.

Molecular coating cleans up noisy quantum light

A novel molecular coating enhances the consistency and precision of quantum light sources, increasing their spectral purity and controlling photon energy. The coating protects single-photon emitters from atmospheric contaminants, enabling reliable quantum devices for secure communications and ultra-precise sensors.

Core electron bonding may not always require extreme pressure, study finds

A study by University at Buffalo researchers reveals that some elements' semicore electrons can participate in bonding under just a few gigapascals of pressure, far lower than previously thought. This finding challenges traditional notions of core electron behavior and may have implications for our understanding of planetary evolution.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Technique makes complex 3D printed parts more reliable

Researchers at MIT developed a new approach to design complex material structures that account for 3D printing limitations, improving reliability in aerospace and medical applications. The technique enables precise control over material performance and reduces deviations from intended mechanical behavior.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Designing materials for next-generation propulsion systems

A multidisciplinary team led by Natasha Vermaak investigates developing structural materials resistant to high-frequency thermomechanical loads for rotating detonation engines. The project aims to address the lack of established materials solutions for extreme thermomechanical loadings, enabling advancements in propulsion systems.

Radiative cooling materials for extreme environmental applications

Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed radiative cooling materials to thrive in the harshest conditions on Earth and beyond. These innovative materials selectively emit and reflect thermal radiation, enabling efficient cooling even under intense solar irradiance or vacuum conditions.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Scientists uncover key stabilizing role of small molecules

Researchers from EPFL and MIT discovered that amino acids have a fundamental stabilizing effect on colloids in solution, not related to biology but rather a general property of small molecules. This finding has implications for controlling molecular interactions and may lead to more precise predictions of protein stability.